Forty Favorite Haunted Tomes

I am not by definition a scaredy-cat, but I do like to sleep at night. So, I avoid reading thrillers with zombies or other creatures that lurk in dark quiet places waiting to ‘get-cha’. However, I am intrigued by the super-natural and I love suspense. To put it in perspective, I’d say “no thank you” to a 3-minute roller coaster that twists and turns me upside down, but I’d tingle in an hour-long line for the 1/16th of a second fright provided by

the Tower of Terror. With that in mind, enjoy this list of Great Halloween Reads put together with the help of several local librarians and booksellers.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES

Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins — James Dean’s popular character presents the classic children’s song in this 2015 release. Highly recommended both online and by a local librarian as a new favorite.

MIDDLE GRADE

If you really want to be scared read The Best of John Bellairs books which have been described as SCARY – SUSPENSEFUL – THRILLING – NOT FOR THE TIMID. (Note: Bellairs has written several YA titles as well.)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, a series much more to my haunting tastes. Nothing terrifying or thrilling but weird, supernatural stuff made absolutely believable by great characters. Anticipating the fourth book due out in March 2016.

A Monster Callsby Patrick Ness has been described as sad, darkly funny, and moving. While it includes monsters and the supernatural, it looks like a good read anytime of year. Just added it to my list. NOTE: One of our contributors voted for this novel in the Young Adult category, describing it as ‘so, so deep’.

And — I was surprised to hear the list of classics suggested for this age group:

Time is of the essence. Hallow’s Eve is tomorrow! Head to the bookstore, library, or cloud and grasp in your sweaty palms your next literary haunt. Turn on all the lights, lock the door, and try not to scream—you might scare the neighbors.

Have I missed any of your favorite haunted tomes? Share them with your fellow creeps.

Fun reading list, Marti! I see many great mentor texts and some of my favorite Halloween stories: Hallo-weiner and The Little OId Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. I also love Scary Party by Sue Hendra– so much fun to read aloud! One of my new favorite Halloween books is Boo-La-La Witch Spa by Samantha Berger.